TV Step-Dads That Demonstrated the Importance of the Job

In the past, TV step-parents were often depicted as "evil" or abusive. While some of these stories tell an important narrative, they failed to explore the other side. Many step-parents are loving, caring, and stepped up to raise a child when it was needed. Today we give thanks to these second fathers by highlighting some good stories in movies and shows.

Yondu - Guardians of the Galaxy

Yondu first appeared in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie. He was initially portrayed as a minor villain. We hear Star-Lord (who may be described as the main protagonist of the story) claim that Yondu stole him from his family to raise him as his own. However, the character's true motives came to light in the second movie. Star-Lord meets his biological father who turns out to be... not such a great guy. It is revealed that Yondu saved Star-Lord from his own father who was going murder him as a baby. Although he had difficulty expressing his love, Yondu did his best to raise a child and protect him from those that wanted him dead. He even gives his own life to safe his boy by giving him the only mask when the two are stuck in space.

This relationship took the media by storm. People's minds rapidly switched from seeing Yondu as a villain to him becoming a fan favorite. Perhaps one of the most memorable scenes in the franchise is when Yondu tells Star-Lord "He may have been your father, boy, but he wasn't your daddy." This one line became viral, being featured in memes and printed on shirts.

Displaying such a character also raises awareness on an important real-life issue: abuse. While I recognize that I am lucky to have three amazing parents, not all kids have that. Sometimes, step parents take in children out of necessity in order to save them from a dangerous situation. Raising a child who has been through trauma is hard. It takes great courage to take on that responsibility when you have the option to walk away.

Red Forman - That '70s Show

Red is the father of one of the show's main characters, Erik. Over the course of the show, the family takes in Erik's friends as they have various family issues. The most obvious example is Hyde. Hyde's father was absent for most of his life and his mother is an alcoholic who often leaves for extended periods of time. After Hyde's mother disappears for an unusually long time, the Forman's take him in. The same thing happens with Jackie as a similar situation transpires.

Red is generally strict, firm, and is described my many of the characters as a "hard ass". However, this is exactly what makes him a great parent and father figure. Even for the kids that do not end up living with him - Dona, Kelso, and Fez - Red becomes a role model for discipline and hard work. Many of the other parents in the show do not hold their children to high standards like Red does. This source of discipline allow the teenagers to make a better life for themselves. Hyde does better in school. Jackie gains a sense of family and learns the value of hard work. Dona gains some structure in her chaotic life. While Red Forman is not technically a "step father", he is an important father figure that took in multiple children in order to give them a better life. Plus, who doesn't love his wholesome relationship with Kitty?

Ron Swanson - Parks and Recs

Ron Swanson is the head of the Parks and Recreation Department in this show. Originally, he states that he does not have an interest in people. While he tries to maintain this for quite a while, he ends up falling for a beautiful woman named Tamara. She is a single mother with two daughters - Ivy and Zoey. Ron often struggles to handle the girls (as seen above) but he tries his hardest. Throughout the last couple of seasons, we see his character shift. He goes from being a cold and standoffish to loving and protective. His greatest secret - that he performs jazz under the pseudo-name Duke Silver - is even revealed to others in order to make his daughters happy. We do not see much of his life outside of his work, but it can be assumed from his change in character and the couple of scenes we see him with his family that he is protective, loving, and will do anything for them.

Uncle Iroh - Avatar: The Last Airbender

At the beginning of the show, Zuko (the prince of the Fire Nation) is disowned by his father and banished from his home. He has the goal of capturing the avatar in order to restore his honor and return home. His narrow focus on this goal gets him into lots of trouble and causes him to fail to see the good in many situations. Uncle Iroh is with him through all of this. He attempts to get his nephew to understand that he may be better off now that he is away from the Fire Nation. Slowly, Zuko begins to see this and ends up helping our main protagonist. This is drastic character development is a key cause for the popularity of the show. Of course, this would have never happened if not for Uncle Iroh.

Iroh also becomes a kind of father figure for the other children after the pair joins them. Throughout the show, we have seen that Aang, Katara, and Sokka have been without parental guidance. Iroh does not hesitate to share his wisdom and to look over the group on their dangerous journey.

His wisdom has resonated with viewers of all ages. The character has been quotes hundreds, if not thousands, of times on social media. He sends messages about inner peace, happiness, self-love, and caring for others. This is likely the reason he is considered by many to be the most wholesome character in television history.

A note to my second father

Many kids are without a proper parental figure. I am lucky enough to have three amazing parents. While I love my biological parents and everything they have done for me, I would not be the same person if not for you. You taught me discipline, determination, and how to stand up for myself. I am now on a path towards a career as a military officer. The little girl you first met would never had the courage or confidence to do such a thing. That little girl is still a part of me, but she is stronger, more confident, and determined as ever. We may not always see eye to eye, but I love you as much as I love the rest of my family. Thank you for all that you have done.

Happy Father's Day!